Imagine a place where comfort food meets craft beer, and poutine reigns supreme.
Welcome to Mule Bar, a hidden gem in Winooski, Vermont, where culinary dreams come true and taste buds dance with joy.
Mule Bar stands as a beacon of hope for hungry souls and thirsty wanderers.
This unassuming establishment, with its brick exterior and modest signage, might not catch your eye at first glance.
But oh boy, once you step inside, you’ll realize you’ve stumbled upon a treasure trove of gastronomic delights.
The moment you cross the threshold, the aroma of sizzling fries and melting cheese curds envelops you like a warm, comforting hug.
It’s as if the air itself is whispering, “You’re home now, friend. Loosen that belt and prepare for a feast.”
The interior of Mule Bar is a perfect blend of cozy and cool, like your hip uncle’s basement rec room, but with better lighting and infinitely better food.
Wooden beams stretch across the ceiling, giving the space a rustic charm that screams “Vermont” louder than a maple syrup-chugging contest.
The walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of local art, each piece telling a story of its own.
It’s like a gallery where the paintings come alive after a few craft beers, ready to share their secrets with anyone who’ll listen.
Speaking of craft beers, Mule Bar boasts a selection that would make even the most discerning hop-head weak in the knees.
With a rotating tap list that reads like a who’s who of the craft beer world, you’ll find yourself torn between tried-and-true favorites and exciting new brews.
It’s like being a kid in a candy store, except the candy is beer, and you’re an adult who can legally enjoy it.
Growing up has its perks, folks!
But let’s not get too distracted by the liquid gold flowing from the taps.
We’re here for the poutine, the crown jewel of Mule Bar’s menu, the dish that has locals and tourists alike singing its praises from the rooftops of Winooski.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Poutine? In Vermont? Isn’t that a Canadian thing?”
Well, my friend, prepare to have your mind blown and your taste buds transported to a realm where borders don’t exist, and cheese curds reign supreme.
Mule Bar’s poutine is not just a dish; it’s a religious experience.
It starts with a foundation of hand-cut fries, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, like little potato pillows sent from heaven.
These golden beauties are then smothered in a rich, savory gravy that could make vegetarians question their life choices.
But the pièce de résistance?
The cheese curds.
Oh, those glorious cheese curds!
These little nuggets of joy are sourced from local Vermont creameries, ensuring peak freshness and squeakiness.
As they melt ever so slightly under the warm embrace of the gravy, they create a texture that’s somewhere between gooey and chewy, a paradox that will have you contemplating the meaning of life with every bite.
But Mule Bar doesn’t stop at traditional poutine.
Oh no, they take this Canadian classic and give it a Green Mountain twist that’ll knock your wool socks off.
Ever tried the “Vermonter” poutine?
It’s like a regular poutine that went on a spa retreat in the Champlain Valley and came back rejuvenated and ready to party.
Imagine those same crispy fries and squeaky curds, but now add chunks of locally sourced bacon, a drizzle of pure Vermont maple syrup, and a sprinkle of fresh apple.
It’s sweet, it’s savory, it’s everything you never knew you needed in your life.
With each forkful, you’ll find yourself wondering why you’ve wasted so many years eating regular fries like some kind of culinary caveman.
For those feeling a bit more adventurous, the “Spicy Pig” poutine is a flavor explosion waiting to happen.
This bad boy takes the classic poutine and cranks it up to eleven with the addition of pulled pork, jalapeños, and chipotle aioli that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
It’s like a fiesta in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!
But wait, there’s more!
Mule Bar doesn’t just rest on its poutine laurels.
The menu is a veritable smorgasbord of comfort food classics, each with its own unique twist.
Take the mac and cheese, for instance.
This isn’t your grandma’s mac and cheese.
Mule Bar’s version is a creamy, dreamy concoction that’ll have you swearing off the boxed stuff forever.
Made with a blend of local cheeses and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, it’s like a warm hug for your insides.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to climb inside the bowl and build a little cheese fort.
Related: The One-of-a-Kind Governor’s House in Hyde Park in Vermont Offers an Afternoon Tea Experience that’s Fit for Royalty
Related: This Maple Creemee Stand in Vermont is the Sweetest Spot You’ll Ever Visit
Related: This Whimsical Cat Cafe in Vermont is the Purr-fect Spot for Feline Lovers
Each bite is a journey through a landscape of flavors, with rivers of gooey cheddar and mountains of perfectly cooked pasta.
The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a textural contrast that’s like a surprise party for your mouth.
And here’s the kicker – pair it with one of Mule Bar’s craft beers, and you’ve got a combination that’s more harmonious than a barbershop quartet of taste buds.
It’s comfort food elevated to an art form, proving that sometimes, the simple things in life just need a little TLC (and a lot of cheese) to become extraordinary.
And let’s not forget about the burgers.
Oh, the burgers!
These hand-crafted beauties are made with locally-sourced beef that’s so fresh, you might hear a moo if you listen closely enough.
Topped with creative combinations of ingredients that’ll make your head spin (in a good way), these burgers are a testament to the culinary creativity flowing through Mule Bar’s kitchen.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“All this talk about rich, indulgent food… what about my waistline?”
Fear not, health-conscious friends! Mule Bar has got you covered with a selection of salads that are anything but boring.
These aren’t your sad, limp lettuce affairs.
We’re talking robust greens, locally-sourced vegetables, and house-made dressings that’ll make you forget you’re eating something good for you.
It’s like your mom finally figured out how to make vegetables taste amazing.
But what truly sets Mule Bar apart isn’t just the food or the drinks.
It’s the atmosphere, the vibe, the je ne sais quoi that makes you want to linger long after your plate is clean and your glass is empty.
The staff here aren’t just servers; they’re culinary guides, beer sommeliers, and friendly faces all rolled into one.
They’re the kind of people who remember your name, your favorite brew, and that time you accidentally ordered the extra spicy wings and cried a little.
On any given night, you’ll find a diverse crowd at Mule Bar.
There are the regulars, perched at the bar like sentinels guarding their favorite stools, always ready with a story or a beer recommendation.
Then there are the first-timers, their eyes wide with wonder as they take in the menu, trying to decide between the classic poutine and one of its more adventurous cousins.
And let’s not forget the groups of friends, laughing and chatting over shared plates, creating memories that’ll last long after the last cheese curd has been devoured.
It’s a melting pot of personalities, much like the melting cheese on top of that glorious poutine.
As the evening wears on and the craft beers flow, Mule Bar transforms into something more than just a restaurant or a bar.
It becomes a community hub, a place where strangers become friends over shared plates of poutine and pints of local brew.
The conversations get louder, the laughter more frequent, and before you know it, you’re swapping stories with the person next to you like you’ve known them for years.
That’s the magic of Mule Bar.
It’s not just about the food or the drinks, as amazing as they are.
It’s about the experience, the connections, the feeling that you’re part of something special.
It’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, whether you’re a poutine aficionado or a first-timer who can’t quite pronounce “poutine” without giggling.
As the night winds down and you reluctantly prepare to leave this culinary paradise, you’ll find yourself already planning your next visit.
Will you try that intriguing seasonal poutine you eyed on the specials board?
Or perhaps you’ll venture into the realm of burgers, armed with the knowledge that whatever you choose, it’s bound to be delicious?
The possibilities are endless, much like the depths of flavor in that gravy.
So, whether you’re a Vermont local looking for your new favorite haunt or a visitor seeking the true taste of the Green Mountain State, make your way to Mule Bar.
Come for the poutine, stay for the beer, and leave with a full belly, a happy heart, and possibly a slight waddle.
Just remember to bring your appetite, your sense of adventure, and maybe a pair of stretchy pants.
Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
For more information about this culinary wonderland, check out Mule Bar’s website and Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your poutine pilgrimage, use this map to guide your way to cheesy, gravy-covered bliss.
Where: 38 Main St, Winooski, VT 05404
Your taste buds will thank you, your stomach will high-five you, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t discover this place sooner.
Mule Bar: where every meal is an adventure, and every poutine is a masterpiece.